The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) provides support for people on low incomes who are facing financial difficulties or an unexpected financial shock.

The fund is provided by the UK Government and will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. It is designed to provide support during times of financial difficulty and help people and communities become more financially resilient.

Hertfordshire County Council will administer the majority of the fund and you can find out more on their Crisis and Resilience Fund page.

The fund includes different types of support, including;

• crisis payments,
• housing payments,
• resilience services, and
• community coordination.

The support available and how you can apply depends on your circumstances.

For Housing Payments (the replacement for DHPs) please see below. For any other Crisis Resilience Fund help please see the link above.

Housing Payments

If you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with housing costs and are struggling to pay your rent, you may be able to get a Housing Payment.

Housing Payments can provide short-term help with housing costs and may help if you have:

• a shortfall between your rent and the amount of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit you receive
• a reduction in your benefit because of the benefit cap
• a reduction in your benefit because of the removal of the spare room subsidy, sometimes known as the 'bedroom tax'
• a restriction caused by Local Housing Allowance
• another reduction in your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit
• a rent shortfall where help could prevent you from becoming homeless
• certain costs involved in taking up a tenancy.

Housing Payments are discretionary, so you are not automatically entitled to receive one. We will consider your circumstances and financial situation when deciding whether to award a payment.

Apply for a Housing Payment

If you need extra help with your rent, you can apply for a Housing Payment by using the button below.

You must normally be receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with housing costs to be eligible. Receiving Council Tax Support on its own does not make you eligible for a Housing Payment.

What Housing Payments can cover

Housing Payments are intended to provide temporary help if you are struggling to meet your housing costs.

They are usually awarded for a limited period and are not intended to provide a long-term solution to a rent shortfall.

You should continue to look at ways of making your housing costs more affordable and seek advice if you are struggling with your finances.

What Housing Payments cannot cover

There are some housing costs that cannot be included when we assess your application.

These can include:

• ineligible service charges
• increases in rent caused by outstanding rent arrears
• certain benefit sanctions and reductions.

Other help with money and living costs

If you are struggling with money, rent, bills or debt, there may be other help available.

Visit our Help to Manage the Cost of Living page for information about support available in Stevenage.

You can also get advice about benefits, debt and managing your finances through our Debt Advice Information page.

Contact information

Housing Payments: If you have a question about Housing Payments or your application, contact the Benefits Service on 01438 242440.

Crisis Resilience Fund: For further information on the Crisis Resilience Fund please use the link near the top of this page.